The buffalo formerly ate man. The magpie and the
hawk were on the side of the people, for neither ate the other or the
people. These two birds flew away from a council between animals and
men. They determined that a race would be held, the winners to eat the
losers.
The course was long, around a mountain. The swiftest buffalo was a cow
called Neika, "swift head." She believed she would win and entered the
race. On the other hand, the people were afraid because of the long
distance. They were trying to get medicine to prevent fatigue.
All the birds and animals painted themselves for the race, and since
that time they have all been brightly coloured. Even the water turtle
put red paint around his eyes. The magpie painted himself white on
head, shoulders, and tail. At last all were ready for the race, and
stood in a row for the start.
They ran and ran, making some loud noises in place of singing to help
themselves to run faster. All small birds, turtles, rabbits, coyotes,
wolves, flies, ants, insects, and snakes were soon left far behind.
When they approached the mountain the buffalo-cow was ahead; then came
the magpie, hawk, and the people; the rest were strung out along the
way. The dust rose so quickly that nothing could be seen.
All around the mountain the buffalo-cow led the race, but the two
birds knew they could win, and merely kept up with her until they
neared the finish line, which was back to the starting place. Then
both birds whooshed by her and won the race for man. As they flew the
course, they had seen fallen animals and birds all over the place, who
had run themselves to death, turning the ground and rocks red from the
blood.
The buffalo then told their young to hide from the people, who were
going out to hunt them; and also told them to take some human flesh
with them for the last time. The young buffaloes did this, and stuck
that meat in front of their chests, beneath the throat. Therefore, the
people do not eat that part of the buffalo, saying it is part human
flesh.
From that day forward the Cheyenne's began to hunt buffalo. Since all
the friendly animals and birds were on the people's side, they are not
eaten by people, but they do wear and use their beautiful feathers for
ornaments.
Another version adds that when coyote, who was on the side of buffalo,
finished the race, the magpie who even beat the hawk, said to coyote,
"We will not eat you, but only use your skin."
